How to Fix MS Paint not working in Windows 11/10

MS Paint has been a staple in the Windows operating system for decades, offering users a simple yet effective tool for basic image editing and design. While it may not boast the advanced features of professional graphic design software, MS Paint remains a popular choice for quick edits, doodles, and simple creations. With the recent addition of AI-based Cocreator in Windows 11, MS Paint has received a modern touch, yet it remains susceptible to glitches and crashes that can hinder its functionality.

In this guide, we will explore various friendly methods for troubleshooting and fixing MS Paint when it's not working as expected. From registry tweaks to app resets, we'll walk you through step-by-step solutions to get MS Paint back on track in your Windows 11/10 system.

How to Fix MS Paint not working in Windows 11/10
1. Delete the SID Entries for Paint in the Registry

The registry is a crucial component of the Windows operating system, storing important settings and configurations for installed applications. When MS Paint encounters issues, deleting the SID (Security Identifier) entries related to the app in the registry can often resolve underlying problems.

To delete the SID entries for MS Paint:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. Before proceeding, it's vital to back up the registry. To do this, click on "File" in the Registry Editor and select "Export." Save the backup file in a secure location.

4. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint

5. Right-click on the "Paint" folder and select "Delete."

6. Confirm the deletion and close the Registry Editor.

It's important to exercise caution when making changes to the registry, as incorrect modifications can cause system instability. Always ensure you have a recent backup before proceeding with any registry edits.

2. Remove Unsupported Fonts

About How to Fix MS Paint not working in Windows 11/10, Unsupported fonts can often lead to unexpected behavior in MS Paint, causing the app to malfunction or crash. Identifying and removing unsupported fonts can help restore MS Paint's functionality.

To remove unsupported fonts:

1. Open Control Panel and navigate to "Appearance and Personalization."

2. Click on "Fonts" to access the installed fonts on your system.

3. Look for fonts that are marked as unsupported or display unusual behavior in other applications.

4. Right-click on the unsupported font and select "Delete."

5. Confirm the deletion to remove the unsupported font from your system.

By removing unsupported fonts, you can eliminate potential compatibility issues that may be impacting MS Paint's performance.

3. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

The Microsoft Store cache can sometimes hold outdated or corrupted data, leading to issues with app installations and updates, including MS Paint. Clearing the Microsoft Store cache can help resolve these issues and ensure a smoother experience with MS Paint.

To clear the Microsoft Store cache:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "wsreset" and press Enter.

3. A Command Prompt window will briefly appear, and the Microsoft Store cache will be cleared automatically.

After clearing the cache, restart your system and check if MS Paint functions as expected.

4. Reset Paint via PowerShell

PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool that can be used for various system maintenance tasks, including resetting built-in Windows apps like MS Paint.

To reset MS Paint via PowerShell:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" to open PowerShell with administrative privileges.

2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Reset-AppxPackage

This command will reset the MS Paint app, potentially resolving any underlying issues that were causing it to malfunction.

5. Repair the Paint App

Windows 11/10 offers a built-in app repair feature that allows users to diagnose and fix problems with installed applications, including MS Paint.

To repair the MS Paint app:

1. Open Settings and navigate to "Apps."

2. Click on "Apps & features" in the left-hand menu.

3. Scroll down and locate "Paint" in the list of installed apps.

4. Click on "Paint" and select "Advanced options."

5. In the advanced options menu, click on "Repair" to initiate the repair process for MS Paint.

The repair process will attempt to fix any issues with the MS Paint app, potentially resolving the issues you have been experiencing.

6. Uninstall and Reinstall Paint Using PowerShell

If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling MS Paint using PowerShell can provide a clean slate for the app, addressing persistent issues that have resisted other troubleshooting methods.

To uninstall and reinstall MS Paint via PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell with administrative privileges as described in the previous section.

2. To uninstall MS Paint, type the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Remove-AppxPackage

3. Once the app is uninstalled, restart your system.

4. After restarting, open PowerShell with administrative privileges again.

5. To reinstall MS Paint, type the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

By uninstalling and reinstalling MS Paint, you can effectively reset the app to its default state, potentially resolving any persistent issues that were impacting its functionality.

7. Other Suggestions

In addition to the methods outlined above, there are several other friendly tips and suggestions that can help troubleshoot MS Paint issues in Windows 11/10.

- Check for Windows Updates: Ensuring that your system is up to date with the latest Windows updates can address underlying issues that may be impacting MS Paint's performance. Open Settings, navigate to "Windows Update," and check for any available updates.

- Run System Diagnostics: Windows 11/10 offers built-in system diagnostic tools that can help identify and address issues affecting the overall performance of your system, including specific apps like MS Paint. Open Settings, go to "Update & Security," and select "Troubleshoot" to run diagnostic scans.

In conclusion about How to Fix MS Paint not working in Windows 11/10, MS Paint remains a beloved tool for quick image editing and creative expression, but it is not immune to technical hiccups and malfunctions. By following the friendly methods outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve issues with MS Paint in your Windows 11/10 system.

From registry tweaks to app resets, each method offers a user-friendly approach to addressing MS Paint issues, emphasizing the importance of data backup and cautious decision-making when making changes to your system.

Remember, every system is unique, and the solution that works for one user may not necessarily work for another. It's essential to explore different troubleshooting methods and prioritize a cautious approach to system maintenance.

By following these friendly steps and keeping an open mind, you can effectively manage and resolve MS Paint issues, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience with this classic Windows application.